Unlikely Packers Veteran Quietly Ascends as Team’s Ultimate Game-Changer

Ever notice how sometimes it takes losing a key player to truly appreciate just how crucial they are? That’s exactly what’s happening with the Green Bay Packers right now. With Zach Tom sidelined by an oblique injury, the offensive line’s cracks are glaring—almost as if the whole unit’s been holding its breath. I can’t help but wonder: is it Zach Tom’s absence that’s exposing deeper issues, or have we been overlooking his undeniable value all along? Between a struggling offensive line trying to find its footing and the mounting pressure on head coach Matt LaFleur, this moment feels less like a hiccup and more like a litmus test for the Packers’ resilience. The fans? Let’s just say their patience is thinning faster than the Green Bay defense on a Sunday afternoon.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 28: Tucker Kraft #85 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a first down at the goal line against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. — (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers‘ offensive line is a major problem right now.

Playing Elgton Jenkins at center hasn’t worked out, and second-year tackle Jordan Morgan has left plenty to be desired.

That’s why, sometimes, not having a player on the field is just what people need to realize how important he is.

With that in mind, insider Wendell Ferreira gushed about tackle Zach Tom, who did not play in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys because of an oblique injury.

“Outside of Jordan Love, Zach Tom is the most valuable offensive player on the Packers. It’s been clearer over the past two weeks,” Ferreira wrote on X.

Outside of Jordan Love, Zach Tom is the most valuable offensive player on the Packers. It's been clearer over the past two weeks.

— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) September 29, 2025

The Packers chose to give Tom another week to heal.

But the offensive line has crumbled without its starting right tackle, and he can’t return soon enough.

The Packers are also without Aaron Banks, which has hindered their ability to establish the run so far this season.

Though running back Josh Jacobs finally broke out on “Sunday Night Football,” he did so against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

The Packers need to get Tom, Banks and wide receiver Christian Watson on the field.

They have a myriad of weapons, but they can only do so much if their better players aren’t available.

While it’s too early to talk about a crisis, it’s clear that the fan base has lost its patience with head coach Matt LaFleur, who isn’t going to get a pass because of injuries for much longer.

The post Packers Veteran Emerges Among Team’s ‘Most Valuable’ Players appeared first on The Cold Wire.